Toasted Almond Cranberry Granola

Meta Description: This toasted almond cranberry granola recipe is a perfect, easy, and healthy breakfast. Learn how to make a delicious and simple homemade granola that’s crunchy, sweet, and satisfying.

For a long time, my relationship with granola was a little complicated. I loved the convenience of it—the satisfying crunch and the promise of a quick, easy breakfast. But when I’d check the ingredient list, I’d often find a long list of things I couldn’t pronounce and a shocking amount of added sugar. I wanted a granola that was wholesome, healthy, and delicious, but I couldn’t seem to find one that fit the bill. I knew I needed a change, something that felt special and satisfying but required minimal effort.

That’s when I decided to try making my own. It was a classic “what’s in the pantry?” moment. I had a bag of rolled oats, some almonds, and a few dried cranberries that were begging to be used. I decided to combine them all with a little bit of maple syrup and cinnamon. The result was a revelation. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the granola toasted in the oven was incredible—it smelled like a cozy autumn day. What came out of the oven was a perfect, crunchy, and delicious granola that was everything I had been looking for. From that day on, toasted almond cranberry granola became my go-to.

This recipe is designed to bring that simple, comforting feeling to your home. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a lot of ingredients or a lot of fuss to create something truly delicious. The key is in the slow roasting process that allows the oats and almonds to get perfectly toasted and crunchy. It’s a versatile dish that works perfectly for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a delicious topping for a yogurt parfait.¹ So, let’s get cooking and create a comforting, flavorful granola that will make your mornings a little bit brighter.

🌾 The Magic of a Homemade Granola

A homemade granola is a game-changer. It’s a million times better than anything you can buy at the store, and you can customize it to your liking. The key to a good granola is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. We want a granola that is crunchy, nutty, and sweet, with a hint of salt to bring out all the flavors.

The base of our homemade granola is rolled oats.² They are the perfect canvas for our flavors. They get beautifully toasted in the oven, and they have a satisfying chewiness. We’ll be using old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats. Instant oats are too thin and will turn to dust in the oven.

The next component is the nuts. We’ll be using almonds. When toasted, they become crunchy and nutty, and they have a beautiful, rich flavor that is a perfect complement to the oats. You can also use other nuts, like walnuts, pecans, or cashews.³ The key is to use nuts that are raw and unsalted, as we’ll be adding our own salt to the mix.

Finally, we’ll be using a simple combination of spices and sweeteners. A little bit of cinnamon and a pinch of salt are all you need. The sweetness comes from pure maple syrup.⁴ It has a rich, earthy sweetness that is a perfect match for the oats and almonds. A little bit of coconut oil helps to bind everything together and gives the granola a beautiful, golden-brown color.

🌟 Mastering the Toasting Process

The most crucial step in making this toasted almond granola is the toasting process. We want the granola to be perfectly golden brown and crunchy, not burnt or soggy. The key is a low and slow cooking process.⁵ We’ll be roasting our granola at 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is what allows the oats and almonds to get perfectly toasted without burning.

Another key is to stir the granola every 10-15 minutes.⁶ This ensures that the granola toasts evenly and doesn’t get burnt on the edges. We want every oat and every almond to be a beautiful golden-brown color. The stirring also helps to create those delicious clusters that we all love.

Finally, we’ll be adding the dried cranberries at the very end. If you add them at the beginning, they’ll become hard and dry in the oven. We want them to be soft and chewy, so we’ll stir them into the granola after it comes out of the oven. The warmth of the granola will soften them and make them perfectly delicious.

✅ Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is simple and flexible. Feel free to use your favorite nuts and dried fruit.

• For the Granola:
  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats⁷
  • 1 cup raw sliced almonds
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup⁸
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon⁹
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Finishing Touches:
  • 1 cup dried cranberries¹⁰
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)¹¹
• Optional Additions & Toppings:
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans¹²
  • 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
  • A sprinkle of chia seeds or flax seeds¹³

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this toasted almond cranberry granola is an easy process.¹⁴ Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, flavorful breakfast in no time.

1. Prep the Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, sliced almonds, ground cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup and melted coconut oil. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients.¹⁵ Stir everything together with a large spoon or spatula until the oats and almonds are evenly coated.
3. Bake to Perfection: Spread the granola mixture in a single, even layer on a large parchment paper-lined baking sheet.¹⁶ Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant.
4. Cool and Finish: Remove the granola from the oven.¹⁷ Let it cool on the baking sheet for at least 20 minutes. The granola will become crunchy as it cools. Once it has cooled, stir in the dried cranberries and vanilla extract (if using).¹⁸
5. Serve: The granola is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few toppings. Serve with a scoop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of milk, or a handful of fresh fruit.

🤔 Common Questions & Troubleshooting

This is a pretty straightforward recipe, but a few questions might come up. Here are some answers and tips to ensure your granola is perfect every time.

Q: My granola is soggy. What went wrong?

A: This is usually because the granola was not cooked for long enough. Make sure you bake it for at least 40 minutes and that you stir it every 10-15 minutes. The granola will also become crunchy as it cools, so make sure you give it plenty of time to cool on the baking sheet.19

Q: Can I use different nuts and dried fruit?

A: Yes! This recipe is a great canvas for your favorite nuts and dried fruit. You can use walnuts, pecans, or cashews instead of almonds. You can also use raisins, dried apricots, or dried cherries instead of cranberries.20

Q: How do I get more clusters?

A: For more clusters, press the granola mixture down with a spatula after you spread it on the baking sheet.21 Don’t stir the granola as much while it bakes. Stir it only once or twice throughout the entire baking process. This will help to create bigger, more satisfying clusters.

Q: How do I store homemade granola?

A: Homemade granola will last in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.22 It’s also great for freezing! You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. This is a great way to make a big batch and have it on hand for whenever you need it.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Variations

This toasted almond cranberry granola is a delicious breakfast, but a few additions can take it to the next level.

• Breakfast: Serve with a scoop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of milk, or a handful of fresh berries. It’s a perfect, easy breakfast that will keep you full and satisfied.
• Snack: A handful of granola is a perfect afternoon snack. It’s a great way to get a quick energy boost.
• Dessert: Serve the granola over a bowl of vanilla ice cream or a scoop of a fruit sorbet for a simple, elegant dessert that feels and tastes indulgent.
• Different Flavors: The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to change the flavor profile.
  • Tropical: Use macadamia nuts and dried mango or pineapple.
  • Chocolate: Add some chocolate chips after the granola has cooled.²³
  • Pumpkin Spice: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the mix for a cozy fall flavor.
  • Savory: Omit the maple syrup and add some savory spices like smoked paprika or a little bit of rosemary for a unique, savory granola.

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values and may vary.

✨ A Healthy Habit You’ll Look Forward To

Toasted almond cranberry granola is more than just a quick breakfast. It’s a delicious habit that you’ll actually look forward to. It’s proof that healthy eating can be exciting, flavorful, and incredibly easy. The simple act of preparing this on a Sunday afternoon can make your mornings feel a little more peaceful and a lot more delicious.

I hope this recipe helps you find a new favorite and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen. It’s a great way to use up simple ingredients and create a meal that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients and toppings. Happy cooking!